Some people just have that gift of making things happen and a quiet Sudbury businessman, Risto Laamanen, who prefers to fly under the radar, has not only developed successful construction and mining operations, but has also helped develop two of the region's most prized attractions.
Laamanen has many successful business ventures on the go, the two he is most well known for are Lively-based Laamanen Construction and Wallbridge Mining (TSX:WM). He serves as president of Laamanen Construction which focuses on industrial and commercial construction. The firm has worked on many area projects, including the highly anticipated Xstrata Nickel, Nickel Rim South project.
He is also the co-founder, chair and CEO of Wallbridge Mining . The established Canadian junior explores and develops nickel, copper and platinum group elements in the Sudbury Basin. Wallbridge's main focus is on the under-explored footwall rocks but it also has base-metal-gold exploration on the Shipley Property in northeastern Ontario, and gold-copper-molybdenum exploration on it's Roger's Creek Property in British Columbia.
When contacted by Northern Ontario Business, Laamanen politely declined to be interviewed for the Northern Icon section. He humbly thanked Northern Ontario Business for the honour and said many times he was very flattered.
"(Risto)is a very understated and easy to talk to," said Sylvia Barnard, president of Cambrian College. "He's an excellent listener and always ready to put forward a commitment. He goes about things in a very understated manner," she said. "It's all about making a difference and not all about Risto."
Risto Laamanen is a graduate of Cambrian College's civil engineering technology program, and has remained loyal to the college becoming one of it's most influential and hard working supporters. Laamanen is a past member of the Cambrian College Board of Governors and is the founding chairperson and longtime member of the Cambrian Foundation Board of Directors.
Laamanen has been a hugely important supporter of the "college, our reputation and in creating opportunities for our students," Barnard said.
"The best way to ensure the success of a student is through connection with business sectors."
Laamanen received the 2007 Chair's Award from the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce Bell Business Excellence Awards.
In 2007, Laamanen was also nominated for a Premier's Award for his social and economic contributions to Ontario and throughout the world.
More than a decade ago, Laamanen began volunteering on fundraising committees for Science North, said Jim Marchbank., the centre's CEO. He has since served as the chair of the Science North board of directors since 1996.
"Over that time there have been big changes at Science North," he said.
Two complementary attractions IMAX and Dynamic Earth have been developed.
Laamanen was the driving force behind the IMAX theater addition and, possibly most impressive, the production of Gold Fever, Science North's first large format film production, Marchbank said.
"Now we have an IMAX production and distribution business."
The 40-minute Gold Fever film tells the story of a wilderness prospecting journey. It may have been the first, but Science North Productions has gone on to bring Bears and Jane Goodall's Wild Chimpanzees to IMAX screens.
It took 10 years to complete, but Dynamic Earth is one of Canada's most unique attractions. And the tribute to the heart of Sudbury's mining industry was lead by Laamanen.
"(Dynamic Earth) is indicative of the ambition of Sudbury and the strong support of this community," Marchbank said. "And Risto has been instrumental in bringing it all together."
Laamanen was also a key player in bringing the 1988 IAAF World Junior Championships to Sudbury.
"He's a very quiet guy," Marchbank said. "But when he speaks, you listen."
As a businessman and CEO, Marchbank said, Laamanen "raises concerns" when he must.
"But he is always encouraging and supportive of others initiatives and ideas."
